I’m going to need to break up my report on the Philadelphia LiveStrong event into two posts, because there’s just too much here for one day. Mainly, I’ve got a 27 minute video of Philly Jen’s and my speeches, which is probably asking more of your day than I ought to anyway.

Today, let’s talk about the day before the big ride.

A Speech So Nice, I Wrote it Twice

Friday morning, I went on a nice ride by myself, and was happy to note that my right leg wasn’t bothering me too badly. While I definitely had some pain at the top of the stroke, I could use my left leg to carry my right leg up and over.

I had my doubts about riding 100 or even 70 miles, but I figured I’d be able to do the 40-mile version by the time the weekend arrived. Not bad, considering I had thrown myself down a rocky embankment less than a week ago.

As I rode, I put the outline of a speech together in my head. I was feeling giddy about being able to ride again, so it was a fairly lighthearted speech. I had a nagging feeling that it didn’t strike the right tone, though. I didn’t worry about it too much, though.

I got home, wrote the outline down, packed, and got to the airport.

Then, sitting down in the airport with a delayed flight giving me 90 minutes of time to think, I reconsidered my speech. So I wrote a new one, this time writing down what I thought was important. I felt a little silly, crying as I typed there in the airport, but I no longer had any reservations about the right tone.

When I finished, I deleted the first speech. I knew the second one was the one I would give.

Cake

Colleen and Sandy of LiveStrong picked me up at the airport around midnight and gave me a ride to the hotel, at which point I discovered that I had forgotten my Ambien. Remarkably, I wound up not needing it; I crashed fast and slept well. Which is kind of a rare thing for me right now.

The photo (taken by our Team Photographer, Kevin, who took incredible shots for us through the whole weekend — see photos of the whole event here) doesn’t really convey the sheer enormity of this cake, and it for sure doesn’t convey the deliciousness of this cake. Huge thanks goes out to Team Fatty member “RayRay the Baker” Molnar of Cramer Bakery. I only regret that I didn’t take a big chunk of that cake up to my room for midnight snacking.

For an hour or so, we all just hung out, eating cake and getting to know each other.

I don’t think I’ve ever felt quite so at-home with a group of people I’ve never met before in my entire life.

The Speech

The Fundraising Appreciation Dinner, as I believe it was called, had great food, great speakers, and was totally dominated by Team Fatty, especially since most of us — not me, I wore something a little more serious since I would be giving a serious talk — wore Fat Cyclist jerseys there.

And our tables were right at the front row, as close to the podium as possible, which ensured I’d be looking at friendly faces.

But still, I was incredibly nervous. I ate, but I don’t remember the food. I talked with people and took my picture with lots of Team Fatty members, but all the while I was thinking about the time when I got up in front of a group of people to speak, then suddenly heard my pulse pounding in my ears so loudly I could hear nothing else and kept from falling down only by gripping the podium.

And in short, I was feeling a little woozy.

But John “College” Korioth — a good friend of Lance and one of the original members of the Lance Armstrong Foundation — gave a great speech. Good enough, in fact, that I got lost in it and stopped worrying about my own speech.

And then it was my turn. And here it is.

I admit, I have not watched the whole thing. It is simply too difficult for me to watch and listen to myself.

But everyone was incredibly kind afterward, giving me a terrific ovation, and giving Team Fatty the props it deserved.

Jen’s “Fat” dance was an especially big hit. I admit to being so dumbfounded that I forgot to join in the dance. At least, that’s my assertion, and I challenge anyone to bring forth evidence to the contrary.

And then: back to the hotel for a few hours of sleep and a big ride the next day. But how long of a ride I was up for, I had no idea.

And that’s what I’ll talk about tomorrow.

88 Comments

Fatty, I was waiting just inside the parking lot to cheer the team on and ring my bicycle bell (I don’t have a cowbell). I was surprised to see you have a police escort as you came by. Talk about being a “blog”star! The team was fantastic, each and every member smiling as they came by. You have started a movement. Keep it going.

Not a dry eye in the house (mine, at least). You have inspired so many. I hope to go into medical social work to help individuals fighting, and if I ever feel discouraged, I’ll just refer back to this video. Thanks for sharing.

I’m so glad the video turned out so that your words can be shared with the rest of Team Fatty. My wife, my mother-in-law and I left that night agreeing that the weekend was already an amazing one. The ride the next day and what a great event it was, only served to make it that much more fantastic. FLS!

Besides the thank-yous to T6, BSNYC, the Pioneer Woman, our anonymous friend at Shimano, Dylan Trakas of Livestrong, and all of Team Fatty Philly — the only part I really care about people hearing is what I said at the end (when I looked vaguely irritable because I was trying so hard not to cry):

We’re not done. If you’re like Elden — if you are broad of mind, ample in character, and stout of heart — I invite anyone who is within the sound of my voice and who sees us today to come join us in Austin and be part of something great. Say it loud: We’re FAT and we’re proud!

[Insert interpretive dance segment here]

P.S. We are the team with the best cake. And if you join us as a Virtual Challenge member, then you can partake of the best *calorie-free* cake ever.

Elden, you as well as a lot of Team Fatty, Philly team members mentioned that you had greeted team members at the finish line. Not taking your wreck into account, I assumed you had done 100 miles, but rode so fast you still beat everyone in so you could stand at the finish line.

The prospects of riding with you in Austin seemed to shrivel. Glad you mentioned that you did a shorter distance.

Started to watch the video, but only made it to the point just after you took your glasses off. Started to get odd looks from nearby colleagues. Open plan offices suck, eh?

And: Twin Sixers – I didn’t realise the Win shirt was limited. I guess I thought it was a preorder like the other stuff. Any chance you can add it back to the store as a preorder to be shipped when the other gear is available? Don’t wanna get dinged on two lots of international postage/customs fees.

“I don’t think I’ve ever felt quite so at-home with a group of people I’ve never met before in my entire life.”

This sums up the Team Fatty experience for me, too. While I was a part of Team Fatty Seattle, I really feel like I missed something when San Jose and Philly came and went. Can’t wait to get started on next year.

That was amazing speech. I can’t wait to participate in a LiveStrong event next year. You are an inspiration. I’ve been looking for a way to get involved in fighting Cancer (I lost my Dad to lung Cancer), but hadn’t yet found something that felt “right”. You have helped me find exactly what I’ve been looking for! Can’t wait to join Team Fatty for next year!!

I feel honored to be a reader of your blog. I feel honored to have learned about the battles you fight and the things you have overcome and learned in the process. Your speech was incredible Elden. Someday when you are able to watch it, I think you will find yourself in awe of your own strength and character, and the ability you have to reach deep into the heart of another human being and plant in there the courage and inspiration they need for battles that are not only against cancer, but for anything in their lives that might need a little more Fight Like Susan and to achieve a little more WIN.

This was my third Philly Livestrong Challenge (I get goose bumps every time at the start) and by far my favorite. The cheers and encouragement from fellow Fatties and everyone else when they saw your jersey were incredible. Thank you for inspiring so many and giving us this chance to be part of something truly special. Thank you also for taking the time to say hello at the finish line … it made a great day that much more special. Go Team Fatty Austin!

Elden, Thank you! Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. Letting us see how your family coped, and mostly for introducing us to your beautiful wife. She is a winner, and I will try to fight like Susan!

That was 27 minutes very well spent. I will do it again! As I watched this I thought of your children, what a role model you are. If they get to view this they will know how very much their mother meant to their father. They will see a strong, committed,courageous man. A man who is KIND,FOCUSED,CREATIVE with OUTRAGEOUS ENDURANCE!

I know there has been some discussion about the need for a white jersey for those who live in warmer climates, but I have to admit, while watching that video I thought the black jersey sort of rocks a formal kind of look. So white may be cooler, can you wear it to the symphony?

Your speech moved everyone present in Turbine Hall, Team Fatty members and non-members alike. Your inspiring and courageous words made the LiveStrong Challenge Philly something I’ll never forget. Thanks for being the person you are.

Sometimes, even in – or especially in – hard times, it feels extra good to a mom. And I expect that I am only one of hundreds of moms who smile through tears at how their children have surpassed them in being focused, creative, and truly very kind. Congratulations to all of you who are making this a better world, a kinder world in many ways.

So awesome! Thank you for sharing. I was crying watching the video and so inspired. I loved your speech! Amazing and PhillyJen is SO COOL! Thank you for continuing to share your journey with an ever growing fan base. You are a rockstar!

I can’t wait to get my Fat Cyclist Fight Like Susan bike jersey! I wish I could make one of the events this year, but it’s too expensive to fly out of Alaska unless you plan way in advance OR are wealthy, which I’m not. Maybe I need to mastermind a far north event and have you be the guest speaker? :) A girl can dream!

In the meantime, you and your kids take care and God Bless all of you! I know Susan must be so proud of you.

Eldon, super speech, I certainly had a tear or two. I have just ordered my first Team Fatty 2010 maillot, and I wanna know how we can get started for you first International Team – Team Fatty – Nice, France!

I can see why you can’t watch it. What an emotional speech! I’m so glad you have this speech recorded because one day you will want your children to hear it so they can better understand this part of their lives.

What a great speech Fatty!!! Philly Jen, you were a little hard to hear in the beginning, but came on strong!!! Is there any way we can all download this video to keep and to share with friends and donors?

So I am sitting at my desk on a boring Wednesday morning, at a boring job, waiting inpatiently for the weekend and long family(1 husband,1-11yr son) ride at Hotter then Hell in Texas this Saturday. Up pops an email from mtbr.com that leads me to your blog (never read it before)and your speech. It gave a well needed SLAP IN THE FACE! Thank you for the SLAP IN THE FACE, and sharing your life and thoughts. You impacted me in so many ways in 30 minutes of reading… to keep getting off my 39 yr old butt to ride, fat or not, and to fight for causes that need fighting for, especially LAF and to Fight Like Susan! My day is truly inspired by Fatty today! -Joan

That was a perfect speech. Well thought out and executed. I know Susan would have been proud of you.

I know the majority of your readers are bikers. That’s what brought them here in the first place. Some others of us came over via Pioneer Woman and we don’t ride bikes. Most of us are moms. Being a mom, I am wondering how your kids are doing. I worried for them when you took your awful tumble down a hillside. Please don’t forget the many of us that followed you because of Susan and not because of biking. I doubt your biking readers will be too upset if you post occasionally about things you are doing with your kids.

Continued prayers from someone who doesn’t bike, but cares about how you and the kids are doing, too.

Fat man… I’m over here working @ my programming job listening to your speech in my minimized web browser as I work on some code, and wondering if my coworkers think I’m really shedding tears at the brilliance of our work. :) I commend you, sir, for standing strong and indeed for sharing your story. I hope you feel the love from your readers, as I’m sure we all want nothing more than to give you a giant collective hug.

Hey, ClydeSteve – you might want to re-read that. Fatty doesn’t say what distance he actually rode, he says, “I figured I’d be able to do the 40-mile version by the time the weekend arrived.” You’ll have to wait for the next installment to find out what he actually rode! :P

I am awestruck by your speech. Susan would have been so proud of you. Having been through almost a mirror image of Susan’s illness with my dear mother-in-law (she passed on her birthday at age 54), I understand the magnitude of the need to get something done about it. (We are huge supporters of relay for life along with many other breast cancer events) You are doing exactly that and I sit her in awe of all that you, Susan and Team Fatty has accomplished. For Susan, for people like my precious mother-in-law, for mothers, daughters, sisters, wives. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for the sake of my darling 19 year old daughter who is at risk. Thank you, thank you, thank you. God Speed Fatty. You and your children will remain in my prayers for a very long time. God Bless you.

I’m so proud to even know you, of you, your team, and your story through the Internet. It’s an amazing, amazing thing and your sharing it has done and will continue to do so much in this fight. I believe in this fight, and I believe that it’ll get stronger and stronger. Thank you. Thank you so very much.

Tonya from Team Athena here(the only real Athena on the team, might I add) and It was a pleasure to meet you during the cocktail hour on Saturday night. I spotted you, but my partner, Alyssa, is the one who snagged you to say hi to you. I think it made our weekend to meet you.

Your speech was, by far, the best of the night.

Also, I’m sure you offered words of encouragement to many people during the last 5 or 6 miles, but when you rode by and said, “We’re almost there!”, it was just the lift I needed at that moment, so thank you.

Fatty–
WOW! What a powerful and emotional message. I’ve been following for a while and am proud of how you are using your “voice” for good in this fight. Simply outstanding. I hope you are able to join us in Austin in October. It is a truly moving experience. God bless you and your family.